New E-Newsletter Deals with Sustainable Issues

Welcome to the inaugural edition of “Concrete Thinking.” You are receiving this electronic newsletter because you signed up for Sustainable Development information on the PCA Web site.

Sustainable development is becoming increasingly important in the building and construction industries. The Portland Cement Association is dedicated to providing you with information for incorporating concrete solutions into sustainable design. We hope that this newsletter and ConcreteThinker.com will serve as a resource for all building professionals seeking to create and execute designs today that protect the future.

Every two months, we will deliver up-to-date news and trends on issues related to concrete and sustainable development. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to others. We also welcome your input. Use the links at the bottom of this newsletter to submit comments or unsubscribe.

Concrete Builds a Strong Case for Sustainability in New Model Home

Each year, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) constructs The New American Home®, a model home displaying the latest in building technologies and design techniques.The 2007 show home delivers optimal energy performance without compromising aesthetics. Concrete systems and other cement-based products contributed to its success.

The home incorporates the following latest concrete technologies:

• Precast Walls with Sandwiched Insulation – The cost-efficient application of this building system creates a solid thermal envelope and leverages Styrofoam insulation for superior energy performance with easy-to-assemble prefabricated concrete panels.


• TX Active Stucco –This photocatalytic cement-based stucco reduces atmospheric pollutants such as nitric oxides, carbon monoxide and sulfur monoxide – all commonly created by car exhaust emissions.


• Fiber-cement Siding – A complement to the self-cleaning, smog-eating stucco, fiber-cement siding has the appearance of wood, but is more cost effective and will not rust or rot like traditional wood siding.

Read the case study.

The First “E” in LEED®

The first “E” in LEED®—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design—is energy, a key tenet of sustainability. Saving energy reduces the use of natural resources for fuel, the need for additional power plants to generate electricity, and the energy and emissions associated with obtaining and using these fuel sources.

Concrete wall systems contribute to energy-efficient structures by creating a solid thermal envelope. Concrete slows heat transfer and moderates indoor temperatures to save energy. Properly designed thermal mass can shift a portion of the energy load to when a building is unoccupied or when peak load electricity costs are much less. In addition, studies show that the HVAC system in a building with mass walls can be downsized from that of a structure constructed with frame walls. More.

The Benefits of Precast Construction

Precast concrete wall systems provide a number of sustainable benefits, including less waste during the construction process, a solid thermal envelope, and a durable core that reduces building maintenance over time.

Like all concrete wall systems, precast concrete creates walls that limit heat transfer and keep energy costs down. Precast also provides efficiencies during the construction process. Walls are prefabricated in a factory and then transported to the construction site ready to set in place. Less material is required because precise mixture proportions and tighter tolerances are achievable. This significantly limits waste from the construction process and lowers overall usage of materials for precast structures.

Compared to other wall systems, precast concrete is capable of higher strength which allows for long clear spans, making it especially applicable to structures requiring large spaces. More.

New DVD Shows How Concrete Flatwork Can Be Beautiful and Sustainable

It is no secret that concrete floors and pavements are durable, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. But today, the increasing use of decorative concrete adds beautiful and environmental friendly to the list of benefits. The Art of Decorative Concrete, the latest Portland Cement Association (PCA) DVD, explores the processes and materials used to generate beautiful textured concrete driveways, patios, walkways, and interior floors. Hosted by Bob Harris, internationally renowned concrete artisan and president of the Decorative Concrete Institute in Temple, Ga., the video shows the variety of techniques contractors-turned-artists use to form stunning spaces. More on decorative flatwork.

Purchase The Art of Decorative Concrete DVD.

Shows and Conferences that Focus on Sustainable Development Issues

Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Cities, Conference, Awards and Trade Show April 29 – May 2, 2007, Minneapolis, Minnesota

AIA 2007 National Convention and Design Exposition
May 3 – 5, 2007, San Antonio, Texas

2007 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo
November 7 – 9, 2007, Chicago, Illinois

Click here for a complete list of upcoming shows and conferences.

Articles of Interest

Insulating Concrete Forms / Recycled Content: “Going Green to Save Greenbacks” The Monterey Herald

Pervious Concrete: “When it rains, it's porous” San Francisco Chronicle